In a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, the Human Rights Law Centre has supported the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor (Improved Oversight and Resourcing) Bill 2014 that seeks to ensure strong and robust oversight of Australia’s counter terrorism and national security laws.

“Counter terrorism and national security laws provide extraordinary powers to police and other security and intelligence agencies. It is critical that these laws do not allow unnecessary or disproportionate intrusions upon peoples’ fundamental human rights,” said Emily Howie, director of advocacy and research at the Human Rights Law Centre.